subject: Sauna - Continuing A Long Tradition Of Communal Sweating [print this page] A modern sauna is a take on old traditionA modern sauna is a take on old tradition. Many cultures around the world celebrate sweating together. In North America, many Native American tribes use sweat lodges. Most people think of this as solely coming from the northern European nations of the Baltic Peninsula. The oldest ones evolved from ancient structures first built at home. Early people would dig pits and cover them with a variety of branches to create a dwelling. Somewhere along the line, they figured out that by splashing water on hot rocks surrounding the fire, humidity levels rise with the structure. This can make living more comfortable with in the structure. That is where the whole idea started.
The sauna comes in two varieties: wet and dry. Some people prefer one to the other. Most people refer to wet saunas as steam rooms. Owners keep these rooms at lower temperatures than dry rooms. Hot water applied to rocks provides the steam in a traditional Finnish structure. Other cultures used different technologies. The dry version comes at higher temperatures than the wet once. This is because hot water is not involved. Hot water causes scalding and can become a safety hazard. Many people prefer the higher temperatures of a dry one despite the fact that there is no humidity involved.
Some cultures used the sauna during the winter. It was a way to heat up the body. However, some throw in cold as well. It is very traditional to alternate between visits inside the hot structure and dips in the cold snow outside. The idea is that it helps regulate the body better and shocks the body into pulling toxins out. For those that want to try it, take care if you have high blood pressure. These sharp contrasts and temperatures can lead to blood pressure spikes for a short time.
The sauna continues a long tradition. Many communities had communal ones where people gathered after a long day of working. Many homeowners want to take that communal experience and bring it home with them. That is why home saunas are becoming so popular in so many places around the world. For those that do not have one at home, many gyms and fitness centers offer them to their memberships. Using one on a regular basis offers many benefits to health and beauty for both men and women. It is a great way to have your cake and eat it too.
